Trip 2: Visual Literacy as a Tool for Cultural Proficiency in the Classroom: El Salvador as a Case Study

7-day Professional Development Course for K-12 teachers

Visual Literacy as a Tool for Cultural Proficiency in the Classroom: El Salvador as a Case Study is a professional development immersion, 3-credit course for educators in the Washington, D.C. metro area and beyond. Salvadorans are the largest and fastest growing immigrant group in the Washington, D.C. region. For example, Latinxs now represent the largest population in Montgomery County Public Schools. The course was developed to create a more culturally relevant and equitable education. It includes pre-immersion, in-country travel and post-immersion work. It promotes teacher collaboration and applies standards-aligned tasks with direct impact on classroom learning, while fostering cultural proficiency and academic excellence. Teachers will acquire the tools needed to integrate the diversity of cultures and experiences that are represented in their classrooms.

Through an immersive experience, teachers learn visual literacy skills, practice global cultural awareness, and develop a deep understanding of the culture, history and art of Central America. Teachers will also integrate new notions of place, identity, representation, and transnationalism. During the immersion, we will visit cultural sites, work with historically important archives, discuss readings and hear from Salvadoran and Central American scholars. Together we will explore counter-stories that challenge widespread narratives about Central America.

Location: El Salvador

Cost: $2,650.00 (Deposit is $300)

Includes: 3-credit course, shared housing at Lake Coatepeque, and all in-country transportation, including group transportation from/to the airport on designated arrival and departure days.